Might as well jump…

Everything old is new again…and so, here comes VH reunited and touring.  To me, something about the band has a lot to do with the look.  Now I know that none of us look like we did 25 years ago.  It’s just that in the 80’s, the look was HAIR.  That’s what I associate with so many of the bands from that time. 

For many bands the “look” was part of the complete package.  I can’t think of any band that this is more true about than KISS.  Now they sound the same without the makeup and costumes, but it’s just not the same without the makeup and costumes.  It is part of who they are.

Speaking of makeup and costumes, here we are with our grandkids and daughter on Halloween:

If you love VH and plan on catching them on tour I’m sure it will be a great party.  They should join the lineup with the sixthman cruises – http://www.sixthman.net/events.  Now that would be a party!  Have a ROCKIN’ day, Mama

Today in ROCK history: 1984 – Van Halen’s biggest commercial success, “1984,” is released. The album contains “Jump,” “Panama” and “Hot For Teacher.”

What do you keep in a bottle? My latest tattoo…

Do you save or collect things?  Do you proudly display them, or pack them away?  What is it that compels us to love something so much that we collect it, no matter what it is? 

Years ago when I was in my early twenties, my dad passed away after years of dealing with cancer.  For the last six months of his life he lived with me.  Just before he died, he gave me his small elephant collection.  Three brass elephants that he had carried with him on his cancer journey.

At the time I did not collect anything.  After he died, I slowly began to add to this collection that he had bequeathed me. 

When you are a collector of anything, it makes it easier for those you know to buy a gift for you.  So over the years I acquired many elephants.

Recently, I got my favorite elephant, the one that means the most to me (not counting the three my dad gave me.)  After losing my brother almost three years ago to cancer, I realized that I wanted to do something personal as a remembrance of my Dad and his namesake. 

Both having the initials FJB, my husband and I designed an elephant tattoo with their initials as part of the body.  Needless to say this is my favorite tattoo and elephant.  I had it placed on the bottom of my left leg just above the ankle.  To me the left leg symbolizes the fact that they never left me, and the lower leg is like they are walking with me and keeping me grounded.

All of my tattoos have special meaning to me, otherwise why get one?  Every time I look at this special tattoo it is like having Time in a Bottle and it makes me smile.  Whatever you collect or treasure, make it meaningful in your life so that it will make you smile too.

Have a ROCKIN’ day, Mama

Today in ROCK history: 1973 – Jim Croce hits #1 with “Time In a Bottle.”

A little more than Cat Scratch Fever

During the holiday season, we spend time with family & friends.  We reflect on the year gone by.  We are hopeful in anticipation of the coming year.  We bake, decorate, give and receive.  We are blessed.  We may be reflecting back on loved ones that left us, many too soon.

I can’t help but be alarmed at all of the loss and violence that this season has also cast upon us.  Daily, the news  seems to bring us some tragedy that is amplified by the time of year. 

The holidays can be wonderful, can be depressing, can be uplifting, can be devastating.

As I take time to think about what the holidays were like when I was a kid, I realize that of course it was a different time, no instant worldwide news at your fingertips, but I can still recall all of the above as a child.  Not on as grand a scale, but it was there. 

So I question if the holiday season is all that it is made up to be? 

I know life is what you make it, but you are not in control of so many things.  So I try to take the good things in life and make them the focus.  I try to deal with the cruel things as they happen.  I try to enjoy things and make the most of any given situation. Cup half full…

I hope that regardless of what is happening in your life: if your cup runs over, if your cup is empty, or half full, you always give yourself the option of rose-colored glasses!  It seems to me that people are too hard on themselves…life is hard enough. 

So be good to yourself.  Treat yourself with love and kindness. Enjoy all the little things. Smile, breathe, be calm.  Have a ROCKIN’ day, Mama 

Today in ROCK history: 1975 – A guy points a gun at Ted Nugent during a Spokane concert and is brought down by security and audience members.

Nikki Sixx Dead or Alive: too interesting to pass up!

If you are older like me, you would have experienced SO much great music, have gone to tons of concerts, and still have a thirst for the music of your youth.  I’m not saying that I do not also like many of today’s artists, but I LOVE older music – it is a part of me.  Is that to say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?  Not at all, a prime example of that is Nikki Sixx formerly of Motley Crue. 

If you have not experienced him as an author, you need to check out his books!  Now this is not conventional reading so be prepared or pre-warned, which ever the case may be, but it is worth it.  This Is Gonna Hurt: Music, Photography and Life Through the Distorted Lens of Nikki Sixx is an incredible read.  It is also a teachable lesson to everyone, which in itself is quite shocking.

Take some time to get to know yourself through exploring things that are outside of the norm for you.  This is what life is about, stretching our boundaries in order to be more compassionate humans during our lives.  It doesn’t matter how you expand your mind as long as you do, ABC, Always Be Consuming new information.  It pays off in more ways than you can imagine.  Don’t limit yourself, set yourself free on this wonderful journey called life!  Have a ROCKIN’ day, Mama

Today in ROCK history: 1987 – Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx dies from a drug overdose. He is pronounced DOA in the ambulance before two adrenaline shots in the chest revive him. Later, he checks himself out of the hospital (ignoring medical advice) and goes home where he records an answering machine message. “Hey, it’s Nikki. I’m not home because I’m dead.” He then takes more heroin and passes out again. Good times.

Too Old to Rock-n-Roll: to Young to Die!

Always have fun!

Are we ever too old to ROCK, I don’t think so…being in my early 50’s, I still love good music.  We should never be too old to enjoy the things that we love, age is just a number.  No matter how broken down our bodies become with age, our minds are free to be what ever we want.  Feed the mind, feed the soul! 

I love to read, I love to listen to music, I love to write, I love to watch great movies, I love to do puzzles, I love being in love, I love to sing…I guess what I’m saying is treasure the things you love, do what makes you happy, be free with your enjoyment of the things in life that are meaningful to you. 

I am currently teaching myself to speak spanish, I found a site online that has free lessons, it is fun and keeps me stimulated.  I am also teaching myself guitar, I try to practice everyday.  Learning something new at any age is what helps us to realize our own potential is limitless, you can teach an old dog new tricks!  There is a site called Luminosity that has mind function games, now they want you to buy a membership which allows you to have full access, but there are a number of free games too.  I just do the free ones and it helps to keep your mind sharp and alert. 

What ever you do to continue learning, make the most of it, enjoy it and let it help you to continue to strive for your best self.  Have a ROCKIN’ day, Mama

Today in ROCK history: 1967 – Ian Anderson and Glenn Cornick form Jethro Tull. The name is taken from an inventor of farm tools.

Flying High with Jefferson Airplane

Music is the key of life, it opens the door to so much pleasure and opportunity.  The great music of the 60’s and 70’s is forever imprinted on my soul, it is part of my very being.  During this time music was more than entertainment, it was an integral part of society and its division.  The war, government, hippies, protests, the draft were a part of every person’s life and music was up front center stage in all the controversy.

The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour was one platform for the music of our generation.  This edgy, raw, hysterical show was made up of two brothers, Tom and Dick, who provided entertainment like no other.  Being musicians themselves, they were drawn to the music of the time and often had some of the greatest band ever play on their show.  The mixture of comedy, music and hip topics pushed the boundaries of television to the edge and over, and the brothers got fired for it!

Some of the musical guests included: George Harrison, Joan Baez, Buffalo Springfield, Cass Elliot, Harry Belafonte, Cream, Donovan, The Doors, Janis Ian, Jefferson Airplane, Peter, Paul and Mary, Spanky and Our Gang, Steppenwolf, The Who, Simon and Garfunkel, and even Pete Seeger.

This show was one of my favorites, but television was so much better at that time, that I had many shows to call one of my favorites.  The unique comedy and easy banter between Tom and Dick, made their show relevant for the times and kept you coming back for more.

So fasten your seat belt, put your tray tables in their upright position and hang on for a bumpy flight with the Jefferson Airplane!

Today in ROCK history:  1968 – Jefferson Airplane performs on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Singer Grace Slick appears in blackface and gives the Black power salute at the end of “Crown of Creation.” http://youtu.be/Q1cfTMdjkYM

Take a tip from Foghat at this time!

Holidays, family, friends, work, shopping, baking, cooking, cleaning, travel…whatever your plans are during this busiest time of the year, take a tip from Foghat and slow things down.  This is a time to enjoy things, to make memories with your family and/or friends.  Try not to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, slow down and enjoy the feeling that this time brings.

People smile and say hello, stop to let you in on that busy street, hold the door for you on your way in or out, and you do the same for others. 

The memories that are made at  this time, the things long remembered, are not the presents, the pies or the dinner; the things cherished are Uncle Paul rolling on the floor with his nephews, or Mom’s huge smile as she watches the kids with their Dad taking pictures of everyone.  The true treasures are G-Ma and the boys making homemade decorations, or G-Pa reading a story.

So don’t make to much of how clean the house is or how perfect the dinner comes out, who really cares; hug your family, sing some carols, and just feel blessed for what you have; do something good for somebody who may not be as fortunate.  Adopt a pet, donate a toy, food or your time, help a neighbor, invite someone to spend time with your family who has no one nearby. Be sure to make this time of year a “slow ride, take it easy.”  Remove the stress and enjoy yourself!  Namaste, Mama

Today in ROCK history: 1975 – Foghat lumbers along unfurling their epic “Slow Ride.”

Is it Christmas time?

Remembering back to my childhood, during this time of the year, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to say “Merry Christmas” to who ever we saw.  This was so rewarding to me as a child, I felt as if I knew everyone and they knew me too.  That was back in the day when you actually knew your neighbors, your parents friends & family, and just about everyone in your class and their parents.  It was a feeling of community, but it felt like the whole world.

In today’s society people barely know their own family or themselves.  You might have thousands of “friends” on FB but they are really strangers.  We are not supposed to say “Merry Christmas,” but it is acceptable to say “Happy Hanukkah,”  “Happy Kwanzaa” or any of the other cultural greeting that may apply during this special time of year.  I am all for celebrating any particular Holidays that suits you, I am also in favor of freedom of speech.  Now, I’ll get off my soap box and get to the music. 

Dude looks like a lady, Aerosmith…great music! I can still feel what it was like when “Toys in the Attic” came out.  We just sang and danced and loved it.  Steven Tyler, now a judge on American Idol, was a unique individual and still is.  Music helps to shape who we are, and creates memories that last a lifetime. So thanks to all the musician and artist from the past, present and future who have helped (or will continue to help)  to make me who I am. Merry Christmas, Mama

Today in ROCK history: 1987 – “Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” Aerosmith’s first chart single in seven years, climbs to #14.

ACDC is it the Highway to Hell…Sex, Drugs & Rock-n-Roll

Prior to my time it was said that Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and other progressive artists were playing the “Devil’s Music” and when that evolved into Hard Rock they said that if you liked this music you were a deviant who also indulged in “Sex and Drugs.” It seems that there is always a label attached to music…Rap was to blame for demoralizing women and domestic abuse.

There is always someone looking to pass the buck for the current deviations in behavior. I’ve been listening to hardcore rock since I was very young. I have never seen the association between the music someone listens to and how they will behave. Most people my age, in their 50’s, are productive members of society, with loving families, and good hearts…regardless of the music they grew up on.

So, does listening to ACDC direct your path, DO NOT pass go, DO NOT collect $200, go straight to HELL.  I think not…

Listening to music of any kind “Soothes the Savage Beast,” I should know…as a school bus driver I always play good music on my bus, it provides a calming effect on the students (and calm is good.) Reading, do you need to only read one genre of book…boring! I am an avid reader, I read all types of books and enjoy reading them all. You never hear anyone say that if someone only reads romance novels that they are depraved, or someone who only reads spy novels will become a traitor.

Music of any kind, will improve the way you feel. If you are doing something for pure enjoyment you are making yourself happy. In turn, if you are happy, you will tend to make someone else happy. That seems like the Highway to Bliss to me. Have a Rockin’ & Blissful day, Mama

Make sure you take a moment to check out my handmade DIY rock items: http://www.wix.com/1_rockin_mama/1_rockin_mamas-unique-boutique

Today in ROCK history: 1979 – “Highway To Hell” goes gold. It is AC/DC’s first major U.S. success and their last album with vocalist Bon Scott who dies two months later.

The Rolling Stones do They Gather Moss?

Well, they are still around and making music, but should they be? I pose this question to you, is there a time when a band who has been around forever should retire…not just the Stones, but any band. As long as they are still producing quality music, why not keep making it. Is there a point when their fans start to think this is just plain greed or even start to disregard them for more current music.  I mean come on, they are as old as dirt.

Well, for most bands, there would not be the opportunity to still be in a position to continue their music. Most bands burn out long before this point. Do we as the music consuming public prefer youth and beauty over sustenance and quality…At my age, are we still considered music consumers. I can’t remember how long it has been since I have spent money on music (other than concerts), I do have a vehicle that still has an 8 track player, and another one that has a cassette player if that tells you anything. I listen to most of my music in the car or on Pandora, where I can customize my own preferences and listen to what I want at any particular time.

The music industry has changes immensely and I often wonder what it will be like in 20 years. I know that I will still be listening to music that I LOVE, and that does include a lot of new artists…however, the older music from when I was growing up will always be in my heart. I will continue to explore and enjoy new music, but will I ever buy any music in the future…don’t see it happening!

In this disposable society where immediate gratification is the mind-set, I will continue to slow it down, take time to enjoy and feel the music, associate great times and memories with the music I love, and wish for everyone else to do the same. So if great musicians from the 60’s & 70’s are still around, I say “Right On.”  Let’s all make some more of life’s great memories to think back on in the years to come. Have a ROCKIN’ day, Mama

Take a minute to check out my custom-made Rockin’ DIY items: http://www.wix.com/1_rockin_mama/1_rockin_mamas-unique-boutique

Today in ROCK history: 1964 – The Rolling Stones cover of Willie Dixon’s “Little Red Rooster” tops the U.K. chart. Meanwhile, across the pond, “Time Is On My Side” becomes the first Stones single to crack the U.S. Top 10. It peaks at #6.